Aim: This study aims to investigate the predictive value of the respiratory rate oxygenation (ROX) index for intubation and mortality in patients hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), highlighting its potential for early risk stratification.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with COVID-19-induced SARI. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 15.1
software.

Results: The study comprised 53 patients (36 males and 17 females) with a median age of 60 years (range: 20-95). The median ROX index during hospitalization was significantly lower in patients who died compared to those who survived (3.93 vs. 10.08, p=0.0006). Additionally, the ROX index of intubated patients was notably lower than those who did not require intubation (3.93 vs. 9.39, p=0.0018).

Conclusions: The ROX index is an effective tool for the early identification of high-risk patients with SARI caused by COVID-19 who are at increased risk of intubation and mortality. This score can be used to predict high-risk patients in pandemic circumstances.